$86,000 to Connect More People to Dementia Care
December 5, 2024The investment will expand access to dementia care and support across the region
GREATER SUDBURY/NORTH BAY – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $86,100 to connect more people to dementia care, support, and services they need when they need them. This funding will support services delivered by the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts community-based First Link® Care Navigation program that connects people living with dementia, and their families, with help navigating care, education, and resources.
“In Ontario, more than 250,000 people are living with dementia, and this number is expected to grow as the population continues to age,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “The First Link Care Navigation program is a high-quality community-based program that provides clients with access to a coordinator who will assist with care planning, care coordination, and referrals to community services. Today’s investment will allow more families to connect their loved ones to the additional services they need.”
“Our First Link Navigators remain a vital part of our organization, providing individuals living with dementia and their families with access to essential programs and services. This funding ensures we maintain this crucial work, in line with our mission to reduce the personal and social impacts of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.” – Shannon Ketchabaw, Executive Director, Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts.
This funding is part of the Ontario government’s $6.9 million investment over two years to support those who have received a dementia diagnosis on their care journey. Funding will support hiring an additional 36 full-time equivalent staff members, shortening wait times for existing patients and providing support for approximately 7,000 new clients across Ontario.
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the province is taking action to provide more people with the right care, in the right place.
QUICK FACTS
- As part of the 2022 Budget, Ontario is investing $120 million over three years for dementia services.
- In the 2023 Budget, the province accelerated the commitment of $1 billion over three years to stabilize the home and community care workforce and support the expansion of home care services.
- In the 2024 Budget, the government is investing an additional $2 billion over three years to boost this acceleration, support earlier investments to increase compensation for personal support workers, nurses and other frontline care providers, and to stabilize expanded services.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES